A RED Hill glass studio is celebrating the launch of its book at an exhibition, showcasing the family’s rich legacy and its place in global artistry and broader art world. The book Blowing In A New Era: Three Generations, One Family by Gordon Studio Glassblowers and Gallery is on show at the McClelland Sculpture Gallery and Sculpture Park in Langwarrin, which is also exhibiting more than 130 pieces of Gordon-Donaldson glass art.
The event, which runs until 27 July, celebrates intergenerational artists on the Mornington Peninsula, as well as the launch of the book. As part of the exhibition, visitors can also view artwork from a recent residency at Poatina Arts in Tasmania, inspired by the family’s 84-year love affair with glass.
Gordon Studio Glassblowers, which was founded in 1992, is owned by Eileen Gordon and Grant Donaldson. Today, the business comprises six members across three generations including engravers and glassblowers. Eileen said the book marked a moment in time recording the incredible glass journey of their family. “Mum and Dad (Alasdair and Rish) moved from England, Kenya and Scotland to Norway and Australia, following opportunities in art – with my brother Kevin and I exploring our own artistic avenues in glass,” she said. “Our boys, their grandsons, Hamish and Calum have that love for glass in their veins as they forge their own styles and careers in the medium. I am extremely proud of the story and the way this book tells it.”
The 214-page book maps a 10-year-old Alasdair Gordon, standing in a classroom at Edinburgh College of Art in 1941 to meeting his life partner Rish Roddan while specialising in glass engraving in 1954.
Hamish and Calum Donaldson, who won art prizes this year, are also featured, detailing their incredible skill and modern craft against the backdrop of an ancient art. There’s also history of the medium’s journey from 5000 years ago to today, featuring each of the seven artists “in conversation” and photographs of some of their finest – and award-winning – works.
The book was officially launched on 5 July at the Elisabeth Murdoch Gallery, with more than 200 people in attendance. McClelland artistic and executive director Lisa Byrne said they were proud to showcase a talented local family “who’ve been honing their craft just 30 kilometres from McClelland for 23 years”. “This exhibition highlights the connection between the McClelland and Gordon families, celebrating intergenerational artists on the Mornington Peninsula and the launch of their beautiful new book,” she said.
The book is available online at www.gordonstudio.com.au or at the Gordon Studio Glassblowers Red Hill Gallery and Studio, and in the McClelland Design Store.
First published in the Frankston Times – 22 July 2025